Ministry of Blue Economy Meets with Stakeholders about South Silk Caye Reclamation

Over the weekend, Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson met with concerned residents from Placencia and neighbouring villages about the erosion situation out at Silk Caye. He promised that the matter would have been brought up in cabinet and today, Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez and C.E.O. Kennedy and other technical staff of the ministry met with organizers of South Silk Caye reclamation exercise. Following the meeting, News Five managed to speak with all sides to address the erosion at the caye.

Eworth Garbutt

Eworth Garbutt, Fisherman/Tour Operator

“Today is an unprecedented day where you combine science with common sense and when yo put either one first, you get common science or science weh common. It is a successful day and I think it will be a framework not only for Belize, but the rest of the world. Even God said, he help those who helped themselves. The people of the south who I am so proud of have step up and get things done and the government did the right motion.”

Jose Aleman

Jose Aleman, Chairman, Seine Bight Village Council

“We see it as a blessing in reference to commitment from the government of the blue economy. Commitment in terms of long term and short term and the assistance that they are willing to give the communities that are near Silk Caye; that is with their expertise; that is with technicalities.”

Andre Perez

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy

“The plans of the blue economy, there is a key word in there – it’s inclusive. It is not only about government. It is more than that. It has to be collaborative effort. And in there it call for the direct involvement of the people of this country, the community and all the other partners are involved as well – the NGOs and all the different organizations. So putting all of these together, but making clear that it is the Ministry of Blue Economy that leads. And in there, we have all the expertise that we can offer.”